WHAT ARE ACNE SCARS?

Acne is a chronic skin condition that frequently results in scarring. The scars can be significantly physically disfiguring and can have a significant psychosocial impact. The most common type of acne scars are called atrophic scars which resemble indentations in the skin. Hypertrophic scars and keloids can also occur (as a result of collagen gain following resolution of the acne, leaving a raised plaque or bump) but are less common than atrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are limited to the margins of the original wound while keloids go beyond the margins of the original wound.

HOW DO ACNE SCARS OCCUR?

Acne scars occur as a result of an imbalance between the degradation of the matrix and the biosynthesis of collagen due to an altered wound healing response to the skin inflammation of the skin. Scarring is a common consequence for inflammatory acne, but not all patients with acne will develop scarring.

“WHY” IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR YOU?

Early and effective treatment of acne is the best way to minimize and prevent acne scars. The ideal treatment regimen would be one that would not only be efficacious but one where the patient could tolerate the side effects. Although, there are a variety of therapies to help reduce the prominence of acne scars, none will remove them completely. A multi-modality approach to usually necessary. Consult your skin care expert or dermatologist for specific recommendations for you.

REFERENCES:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-acne-scars search=ACNE%20SCARS&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~36&usage_type=default&display_rank=1